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quorum

noun

/ˈkwɔːrəm/

IPA:

Dictionary definition of quorum

The minimum number of members required to be present at a meeting in order to conduct official business.
"The meeting cannot proceed until a quorum is established."

Detailed meaning of quorum

This number is typically specified in the bylaws or rules of the organization and may vary depending on the size of the group. The purpose of a quorum is to ensure that important decisions are made by a representative group of members, rather than a small minority. Without a quorum, meetings may be postponed or decisions may be delayed until a sufficient number of members can be present. In parliamentary procedure, the presiding officer must establish that a quorum is present before any official action can be taken.

Example sentences containing quorum

1. We need a quorum of at least 10 members to proceed with the vote.
2. Without a quorum, we can't make any decisions at this meeting.
3. The quorum requirement is specified in the organization's bylaws.
4. We've reached the quorum, so we can start the meeting now.
5. It's important to have a quorum so that decisions are representative of the group.
6. A quorum is necessary to prevent a small minority from making important decisions.

History and etymology of quorum

The noun 'quorum' has its origins in Latin, specifically from the phrase 'quorum vos,' which means 'of whom you.' In medieval Latin legal documents, 'quorum vos' was used to specify the number of people required to be present at a meeting to make it valid. Over time, this phrase was shortened to 'quorum' and adopted into English to refer to the minimum number of members needed to be present at a meeting in order to conduct official business. Essentially, 'quorum' represents the idea that a meeting or assembly requires the presence of a specific group of individuals, usually a majority or a predetermined percentage, to ensure that decisions made are representative and legitimate. The etymology of 'quorum' highlights its historical function as a term used to specify the attendance requirement for official gatherings.

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Further usage examples of quorum

1. The quorum was barely met, but we can proceed with the vote.
2. We had to postpone the meeting because we didn't have a quorum.
3. I'm worried we won't meet the quorum requirement for this meeting.
4. We should make sure to remind members of the quorum requirement before the next meeting.
5. The presiding officer confirmed that a quorum was present before the vote.
6. To conduct official business, we must have a quorum of at least seven members present.
7. The chairman announced that a quorum had been achieved, and the meeting could commence.
8. The lack of a quorum forced us to reschedule the important board meeting.
9. As secretary, it's my duty to confirm the presence of a quorum before starting.
10. We had to wait for additional members to arrive to reach the necessary quorum.
11. The quorum requirement is ten members for this committee to convene.
12. Without a quorum, we couldn't make any decisions at the shareholders' meeting.
13. The quorum was established, and the council proceeded with the agenda.
14. The chairman urged everyone to stay to ensure we maintained a quorum.
15. If we don't have a quorum, we'll have to postpone the vote.
16. The quorum was met just in time for the crucial budget discussion.
17. The meeting began as soon as a quorum of directors was present.
18. Please confirm the quorum before calling the meeting to order.
19. The absence of a quorum delayed the approval of the project.
20. We reached a quorum and initiated the committee's work.
21. The chairman declared a quorum, and the meeting officially began.
22. A quorum of at least five members is required for this committee.
23. The meeting started promptly after confirming a quorum.
24. We needed one more member to reach the quorum for the session.
25. The lack of a quorum led to the postponement of the critical vote.